• Cracker Barrel stock drops after-hours as chain reports losses from ‘unique and ongoing headwinds’

    The exterior of a Cracker Barrel location.
    Cracker Barrel Old Country Store.

    • Cracker Barrel, in its financial results for Q1 of fiscal 2026, reported a 5.7% decrease in revenue.
    • CEO Julie Masino blamed the results on "unique and ongoing headwinds."
    • The chain's stock dropped sharply in after-hours trading and has fallen more than 50% this year.

    Cracker Barrel released its Q1 results on Tuesday, reporting losses that sent its share price tumbling more than 10% in after-hours trading.

    The beleaguered Southern restaurant chain reported a 5.7% drop in revenue compared to the prior year's first quarter, and a 4.7% decrease in comparable restaurant sales. It also reported a net income loss of $24.6 million.

    "First quarter results were below our expectations amid unique and ongoing headwinds," Cracker Barrel president and chief executive Julie Masino said in a statement released ahead of the earnings call. "We have adjusted our operational initiatives, menu, and marketing to ensure we are consistently delivering delicious food and exceptional experiences. Additionally, we are executing a variety of cost savings initiatives to bolster our financial performance. Although our recovery will take time, our teams are more committed than ever, and we are confident that we will regain momentum."

    Among the headwinds are shifting consumer behaviors that have hit traditional sit-down chains especially hard, as budget-conscious diners trade down to cheaper, faster options and cut back on discretionary travel and dining out — both core drivers of Cracker Barrel's roadside business.

    The company has also struggled to modernize its brand without alienating its base, a tension underscored by its botched logo redesign earlier this year that sparked an online backlash and became an unexpected PR nightmare.

    Cracker Barrel's stock has fallen more than 50% so far this year.

    This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • How Kate Spade is using the Coach bag playbook to try to win Gen Z

    Coach bag
    Coach bags have had a resurgence in popularity with Gen Z.

    • Coach bags have had a moment with Gen Z. Now, Kate Spade wants a turn.
    • Tapestry, the parent company of Coach, is applying its "road map" to the Kate Spade brand.
    • Scott Roe, Tapestry's CFO and COO, talked about the company's marketing strategy on an upcoming podcast.

    Gen Z is carrying Coach — literally and figuratively.

    That demographic of shoppers, born between 1997 and 2012, is the "center of the bull's-eye" for the luxury handbag brand, according to Scott Roe, CFO and COO of Coach's parent company Tapestry.

    Now, Tapestry wants to replicate the success it has had with Coach for Kate Spade, which it acquired in 2017.

    Roe talked at length about Tapestry's focus on Gen Z during an upcoming episode of Monica Langley's "Office Hours: Business Edition" podcast, set to release on Wednesday. Business Insider got an exclusive look at the episode's transcript.

    Coach zeroed in on Gen Z out of necessity. Roe told Langley that the company was looking at data, which estimated that, by 2030, about 70% of handbag purchases were going to be made by either Gen Z or millennial buyers. But the average age of Coach buyers was 40, he said.

    "We said, well, that's a problem," Roe recounted. "We got to get younger."

    Scott Roe and Monica Langley in bag production room
    Scott Roe spoke with Monica Langley on an episode of Office Hours: Business Edition.

    The approach has paid off.

    During Tapestry's November earnings call, CEO Joanne Crevoiserat told investors that Coach had acquired 1.7 million new customers in its most recent quarter, driven by Gen Z. Tapestry also reported revenue of $1.7 billion for the quarter, an increase of 13% year-over-year.

    Just like Coach, Kate Spade is "targeting" Gen Z, Roe said.

    "We like 18 years as a point of entry. That's when a young lady goes from upper school or high school into college," Roe said. "They typically go from a backpack to a bag."

    Giving Kate Spade the Coach treatment

    First on Tapestry's "road map" to bring Kate Spade into the zeitgeist is getting young buyers to "be aware that Kate Spade exists," Roe said, which means increasing marketing spend on the brand.

    One example of a buzzy product that Kate Spade is pushing is its Duo Crossbody Bag, which Roe said is "already a big bag" and expects it to be a hit over the holidays.

    Social media, such as videos on YouTube or posts on Reddit, play a role in getting Gen Z to "consider whether they want to buy the brand," Roe said. (He didn't go into detail on Tapestry's strategy of paid social media partnerships with creators, however.)

    Laufey and Ice Spice at the Kate Spade New York & NYLON "Holiday Duo-ets" Celebration held at Chateau Marmont on November 04, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
    Music stars Laufey and Ice Spice hold Kate Spade Duo bags at an event in November.

    Some members of the younger Gen Z cohort have more spending power than meets the eye, Roe said.

    "They have six wallets, right? Two grandparents and their parents," Roe said.

    Doubling down on marketing to Gen Z

    Going after Gen Z doesn't come without hurdles, however.

    "As we thought about how we become more relevant to that younger generation, we were also faced with some dilemmas," Roe said.

    The biggest obstacle: Gen Z has an endless array of options when it comes to shopping.

    "Because there's so many more choices for them, it's more difficult to break through," Roe said.

    How to break through? Marketing. And then more marketing.

    Roe said that Tapestry "more than tripled" its marketing spend. "It's our intent to keep doing that."

    Read the original article on Business Insider
  • Is the CSL share price a generational bargain at $180?

    man in old fashioned suit and hat looking through magnifying glass

    The CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) share price has been under pressure for most of the past two years, and investors are now asking a big question: Is this one of those rare moments when a top-tier blue chip becomes a genuine long-term bargain?

    At yesterday’s market close, CSL shares finished the day trading near $180, a level not seen in almost 7 years. And if it’s any consolidation, this is far below where many analysts believe the company’s share price should be.

    What pushed CSL shares this low?

    CSL’s tough run began with softer profit guidance, rising operating costs and a slower-than-expected recovery in its plasma collections business. Combined with currency impacts and several earnings updates that fell short of expectations, investor sentiment gradually began to fade.

    The company also rolled out a $500 million cost-cutting plan, which some investors saw as a sign that costs had gone too high. All of this has contributed to CSL moving from a market favourite to what many now see as one of the more oversold large caps on the ASX.

    So, has the market gone too far?

    Despite the share price slump, the underlying business is far from broken. Plasma collections have been improving, Seqirus (CSL’s vaccines business) continues to perform well, and CSL Vifor is finally starting to settle after a challenging integration period.

    Several analysts recently highlighted CSL as one of the highest-quality ASX 200 companies now trading at a multi-year discount. Some even described it as massively oversold, noting that the company’s long-term growth drivers remain solid.

    Recent broker targets reflect that view as well, with valuations sitting between $260 and $310, which is well above today’s share price.

    CSL still expects steady revenue growth over the medium term, improving margins as plasma collections return to normal, and continued strong demand for its immunoglobulin and vaccine products. With the company’s long history of growth, solid balance sheet and global reach, the current share price is getting harder for many investors to look past.

    What could shift investor sentiment?

    A few things could help shift sentiment, including stronger FY26 guidance, better plasma collection volumes, steady progress with CSL Vifor, and clearer signs of growth in its key treatment areas. If CSL can deliver on these areas, it may be enough to help the share price move higher.

    Foolish takeaway

    For long-term investors, moments like this don’t come around often. CSL is still one of Australia’s most successful companies, with decades of growth behind it and a solid runway ahead.

    Only time will tell whether the current CSL share price proves to be a generational buying level. But with the company’s long record of growth and early signs of momentum returning, CSL is starting to look like one of the more attractive opportunities on the ASX.

    The post Is the CSL share price a generational bargain at $180? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in CSL right now?

    Before you buy CSL shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and CSL wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has positions in CSL. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 3 ASX shares down 20% to 40% in 2025: Why analysts say you should hold on

    A young man in a blue suit sits on his desk cross-legged with his phone in his hand looking slightly crazed.

    S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) shares are up 4.85% in the year to date.

    Of the 500 companies making up the ASX All Ords index, 326 shares have recorded capital growth this year.

    Among the 174 companies that have lost value are the following three ASX stocks.

    Despite significant share price falls this year, experts say current investors should continue to hold them.

    Here’s why.

    3 ASX shares down 20% to 40% in 2025

    Analysts have revealed hold ratings on these three ASX stocks despite substantial price falls in the year to date (YTD).

    WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC)

    Wisetech is the largest ASX tech share with a market capitalisation of $25 billion.

    The Wisetech share price closed at $74.01, up 0.18% yesterday and down 40.3% in the YTD.

    On The Bull this week, Ben Faulkner from Sanlam Private Wealth explained their hold rating on Wisetech shares.

    Faulkner said:

    WiseTech is a global leader in logistics software. It offers market dominance, high margins and long term growth potential.

    The recent acquisition of e2open offers upside. Recent corporate matters and board changes have discounted the stock to a level where it offers compelling long term value, in our view.

    WiseTech’s flagship platform CargoWise is used by 24 of the top 25 largest freight forwarders and 46 of the top 50 logistics providers worldwide.

    Tech shares endured a rough month in November amid fears that the artificial intelligence revolution may be creating a market bubble.

    Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN)

    Bendigo and Adelaide Bank is an ASX bank share with a market cap of $6 billion.

    The Bendigo and Adelaide Bank share price closed at $10.37 on Tuesday, down 0.48% for the day and down 20.6% in 2025.

    Jabin Hallihan from Family Financial Solutions notes that the ASX share is trading below their $11 price target.

    Hallihan explained his hold rating:

    Bendigo and Adelaide Bank is one of Australia’s largest regional banks. Recently, an independent report highlighted weaknesses in the bank’s anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing controls. The shares plunged on the news.

    The bank is committed to undertaking the necessary enhancements to systems, frameworks and processes to ensure full compliance with its obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing Act 2006.

    We suggest holding the stock, but investors should monitor regulatory developments and the bank’s remediation plan.

    Goodman Group (ASX: GMG)

    Goodman Group is the largest ASX property share with a market cap of $60 billion.

    The Goodman Group share price closed at $29.28, down 1.28% yesterday and down 18.7% in the YTD.

    On The Bull last week, Stuart Bromley from Medallion Financial Group explained his hold rating on Goodman Group shares.

    Goodman Group continues to position itself as a global leader in industrial property, supported by high quality tenants, such as Amazon, Samsung, Telstra, Coles and Australia Post.

    Its portfolio remains robust, with strong occupancy amid long lease terms and a conservative balance sheet relative to peers.

    With most new development geared towards data centres and artificial intelligence-driven infrastructure, Goodman is well placed to benefit from long term structural growth.

    We view Goodman as a high quality, long term firm that we’re happy to hold.

    The post 3 ASX shares down 20% to 40% in 2025: Why analysts say you should hold on appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index Total Return Gross (AUD) right now?

    Before you buy S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index Total Return Gross (AUD) shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and S&P/ASX All Ordinaries Index Total Return Gross (AUD) wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Goodman Group and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Bendigo And Adelaide Bank and WiseTech Global. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Goodman Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Guess how much $10,000 in these ASX ETFs at inception would be worth today?

    Two happy excited friends in euphoria mood after winning in a bet with a smartphone in hand.

    The team at Global X have launched nine ASX ETFs since September 2024. 

    While most are thematic funds, targeting a specific sector, there are also broad index tracking funds as well. 

    The positive side of thematic investing is being able to gain exposure to a specific theme or niche that you have strong conviction in. 

    Many of these funds have already brought solid returns. 

    Let’s look at how much an initial investment of $10,000 at each fund’s inception would be worth today. 

    Global X Defence Tech ETF (ASX: DTEC)

    This ASX ETF was launched in October last year. 

    “Launched” might be the perfect way to describe this fund’s performance. 

    Since inception (just over a year) it has risen 71.43%. 

    At the time of writing, it is made up of 37 holdings. The underlying portfolio gives investors exposure to companies at the forefront of defence innovation. 

    This includes AI, drones, and cybersecurity – all crucial components in today’s modern defence landscape.

    As global security concerns shift towards more technology-driven solutions, DTEC captures the sectors driving the future of defence.

    Its largest exposure is to companies engaged in: 

    • Aerospace & Defense (77.55%)
    • Software (9.79%)
    • Professional Services (7.35%)

    Based on this ASX ETFs performance, an initial investment of $10,000 in October last year would now be worth approximately $17,143. 

    Global X Ai Infrastructure ETF (ASX: AINF)

    Another thematic fund from Global X that has soared since opening in late April/early May is the Global X AI Infrastructure fund. 

    According to the provider, the objective of this ETF is to track the performance of companies involved in supporting the data centre infrastructure requirements arising from Artificial Intelligence operations. 

    This includes companies involved in the supply of electric utilities and infrastructure, energy management and optimisation, data centre equipment manufacturing, thermal management, and production and refinement of Copper and Uranium used to power and operate the AI infrastructure.

    It is made up of 30 total holdings, with 46% of its total exposure being to US based companies. 

    Since its inception, it has risen an impressive 41.21%. 

    A $10,000 investment when the fund first became available on the ASX would today be worth approximately $14,121.

    Global X S&P World Ex Australia Garp Etf (ASX: GARP)

    This fund has now been on the stock market since September last year. 

    In that time, it has risen 28.41%. 

    The fund tracks the performance of the S&P World Ex-Australia GARP Index.

    The GARP acronym stands for Growth at a Reasonable Price (GARP).

    Essentially, that means targeting companies with strong earnings growth, solid financial strength, and trading at reasonable valuations.

    While the previous two funds mentioned are much more tightly focussed, this fund has 250 underlying holdings from across a variety of sectors. 

    Essentially, it offers much better diversification than the previous two funds mentioned. 

    A $10,000 investment at the opening of this fund would now be worth $12,841. 

    The post Guess how much $10,000 in these ASX ETFs at inception would be worth today? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Global X S&P World Ex Australia Garp Etf right now?

    Before you buy Global X S&P World Ex Australia Garp Etf shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Global X S&P World Ex Australia Garp Etf wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 2 compelling ASX 200 shares this fund manager rates as buys

    A company manager presents the ASX company earnings report to shareholders at an AGM.

    One of the most appealing things about the ASX share market is that share prices are always changing, giving investors the opportunity to buy growing, high-quality businesses. Volatile share prices can offer a buy-the-dip opportunity for certain S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) shares.

    There are 200 different businesses in the ASX 200, so there is an enormous opportunity to find something that has been mispriced. When aiming for attractive returns, investors should always consider the price.That doesn’t necessarily mean finding the lowest price/earnings (P/E) ratio, of course.

    Let’s take a look at two ASX 200 shares that the fund manager L1 likes.

    Viva Energy Group Ltd (ASX: VEA)

    Viva Energy describes itself as a leading convenience retailer, commercial services and energy infrastructure business. It operates a retail convenience and fuel network of around 900 locations across Australia. The ASX 200 share supplies fuels and lubricants to a network of almost 1,500 service stations.

    The company also owns and operates the Geelong refinery in Victoria, as well as operating businesses across bulk fuels, aviation, bitumen, marine, chemicals, polymers and lubricants.

    L1 notes that the Viva Energy share price rose 16% in November as global refining margins continued to rise due to Russian trade sanctions and refinery closures, following relatively weak margins in the previous 12 months.

    The fund manager believes that if current conditions persist, the earnings upside for the refining business would be “substantial”, offsetting acquisition integration and market challenges in its convenience business.

    L1 said that while the performance of the convenience business has been “disappointing”, it should start to benefit in the 2025 second half from material acquisition synergies, as well as new and converted stores. Both of these benefits should help contribute to further earnings growth in 2026.

    Light & Wonder Inc (ASX: LNW)

    Another ASX 200 share that L1 highlighted is Light & Wonder, a cross-platform international gaming business that has a sizeable presence in the North American market. Light & Wonder also offers digital game content. It’s a sizeable player in the gambling market.

    The fund manager noted that the Light & Wonder share price soared 40% in November after reporting a strong set of third-quarter numbers, while also re-iterating its full-year earnings guidance.

    The Light & Wonder share price also benefited from the completion of the NASDAQ delisting and shift to a sole priming listing on the ASX, which saw the end of significant forced selling by US passive share investors.

    L1 believes that the ASX 200 share is “well placed to deliver solid earnings growth over the medium-term, driven by its strong land-based game performance.”

    The post 2 compelling ASX 200 shares this fund manager rates as buys appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Viva Energy Group Limited right now?

    Before you buy Viva Energy Group Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Viva Energy Group Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Light & Wonder Inc. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Light & Wonder Inc. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Own ANZ shares? Here are the dividend dates for 2026

    A kid wearing a pilot helmet holds a paper plane up to the sky.

    ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares have outperformed their ‘big four’ peers in 2025.

    The value of ANZ stock has risen faster than the other major ASX 200 bank shares by a long shot.

    ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) shares are up 23% in the year-to-date (YTD) and reached a new record of $38.93 last month.

    Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares have ascended 17% and reached a record $41 apiece in November.

    The National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) share price has risen 10% in 2025 and reached an all-time high of $45.25 last month.

    Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares have risen by just 0.2% in 2025 after reaching a record $192 in June.

    What about dividends?

    ANZ shares paid a full-year FY25 dividend of 166 cents per share (cps).

    The consensus estimate among analysts on CommSec is for ANZ to pay a full-year FY26 dividend of 168 cents per share.

    This equates to a forward dividend yield of about 4.77%.

    That’s not the sort of yield we are used to with the bank stocks, however, it is higher than the average ASX 200 dividend these days.

    So, when will you find out how much ANZ will pay in dividends for sure?

    The bank has released its corporate calendar for 2026.

    Here are the dividend dates to diarise.

    ANZ dividend dates in 2026

    ANZ will release its 1H FY26 results and announce its interim dividend on 7 May.

    The ex-dividend date for the interim ANZ dividend will be 18 May.

    The record date will be 19 May.

    If you’d like ANZ to use your dividends to buy more shares on your behalf, you can enrol in the dividend reinvestment plan (DRP).

    New DRP elections must be lodged by 20 May.

    ANZ will pay the dividend on 1 July. (Nice way to start the new financial year!)

    The ASX 200 bank will announce its FY26 full-year results and final dividend on 9 November.

    The ex-dividend date for the final ANZ dividend will be 12 November.

    The record date will be 13 November.

    New DRP elections must be lodged by 16 November.

    The annual general meeting will take place on 17 December.

    ANZ shares will pay the dividend on 18 December.

    Expert ratings on ANZ shares

    Macquarie has a neutral rating on ANZ shares with a 12-month price target of $35.

    Morgans has a trim rating with a price target of $33.09.

    The broker recapped ANZ’s 2H FY25 report released in November:

    Earnings were materially below market expectations, albeit consensus may not have fully adjusted for the significant items.

    However, 12 month target price lifts 29 cps to $33.09/sh due to CET1 capital outperformance in 2H25.

    We recommend clients TRIM into share price strength, with the share price and implied valuation multiples trading at or around all-time highs.

    The post Own ANZ shares? Here are the dividend dates for 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Australia And New Zealand Banking Group right now?

    Before you buy Australia And New Zealand Banking Group shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Australia And New Zealand Banking Group wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Macquarie Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • Macquarie names its top ASX consumer staples and consumer discretionary stock picks

    Seven people look for bargains to buy at a yard sale.

    The team at Macquarie just released its latest High Frequency Consumer Data report and consumer stock picks. 

    This included stock picks from both consumer discretionary and staples sectors. 

    Its High Frequency Consumer Data series provides a sample of consumer spending habits on a weekly basis. The sample is weighted towards Sydney and Melbourne and may not be representative of overall spending in Australia. 

    Black Friday data 

    The most recent report released on Monday, included data from the black fortnight period. 

    Macquarie said the Black Friday promotional period has driven year-over-year sales growth across key retail categories of Online (+18%) and Pharmacy (+13%) and Furniture (+8%) categories, with promo activity driving spend. However, Electronics (-1%) sales declined.

    The report said recent commentary from the media and industry participants suggest trading has been strong in the household goods category. However, feedback TV sales have been flagged as softer.

    The good, the bad and the ugly 

    Macquarie noted that pharmacy retailing has continued its strong momentum into October and November 2025, growing at low-double-digit rates and remaining consistent with recent trends, which is supportive for Sigma Healthcare (ASX: SIG). 

    Furniture retailers such as Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd (ASX: HVN) and Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK) are also seeing mid-single-digit growth. This is a positive outcome given the softer outlook for RBA policy and the resulting drag on new housing creation. 

    On-premise alcohol sales have strengthened as well,rising about 3% year-on-year. This was potentially helped by the first Ashes test in late November.

    Macquarie said this is a small positive for Endeavour Group Ltd (ASX: EDV)

    On the less favourable side, off-premise alcohol sales are still soft compared with last year, though the rate of decline has eased somewhat, which remains an important factor for Endeavour Group. 

    There are also signs of weaker consumer spending on electronics, although Macquarie is waiting for more detailed data before turning more cautious. 

    Meanwhile, online retail growth has accelerated, but this expansion is dilutive to the domestic retail system and adds pressure to traditional store-based retailers.

    Stock picks 

    Overall, Macquarie remains positive on Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL). It said it expects continued market-share gains and benefits from supply-chain investments to drive earnings.

    We remain positive on COL driven by market share gains and scaling supply chain investments driving earnings growth (MRE EBIT +14% y-y in FY26E).

    In the discretionary sector, JB Hi-Fi Ltd (ASX: JBH) is Macquarie’s key pick. This is after its recent share price pull-back.

    Among small and mid-caps, Nick Scali Ltd (ASX: NCK) is highlighted as the top household-retail pick. Ultimately, this is thanks to market-share growth in a gradually improving furniture category. 

    Finally, in apparel, Universal Store Holdings Ltd (ASX: UNI) is favoured, supported by strong sales in Universal Store/Perfect Stranger and rising private-label penetration, which is helping lift gross margins.

    The post Macquarie names its top ASX consumer staples and consumer discretionary stock picks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Coles Group Limited right now?

    Before you buy Coles Group Limited shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Coles Group Limited wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor Aaron Bell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has positions in and has recommended Harvey Norman. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Nick Scali and Universal Store. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • 3 ASX ETFs perfect for building generational wealth

    A smartly-dressed businesswoman walks outside while making a trade on her mobile phone.

    Building generational wealth takes more than luck; it requires ownership of assets that grow over time.

    For most investors, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are one of the simplest ways to achieve that.

    They provide broad diversification, exposure to world-class companies, and the ability to let long-term compounding do the heavy lifting.

    If the goal is to build wealth that could one day benefit children or grandchildren, you want ETFs backed by sustainable business models, strong global tailwinds, and decades-long growth runways.

    Three ASX ETFs that stand out as exceptional long-term building blocks for anyone thinking beyond their own lifetime are named below:

    Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF (ASX: CFLO)

    If you want to build wealth that lasts, investing in companies with strong, predictable cash flows is a good place to start. The Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF targets exactly that.

    Rather than focusing on hype or short-term market momentum, this fund leans into profitability, operational discipline, and financial resilience. It includes stocks like Palantir (NASDAQ: PLTR), Visa (NYSE: V), and Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL).

    Cash flow is the engine of compounding. Companies that consistently generate it can reinvest in growth, buy back shares, acquire competitors, or raise dividends. Over decades, that creates an enormous wealth-building effect, making this fund a potentially powerful foundation for generational portfolios. It was recently recommended by analysts at Betashares.

    iShares S&P 500 ETF (ASX: IVV)

    If you could only choose one ETF to pass down to the next generation, the iShares S&P 500 ETF would be hard to beat. It tracks the S&P 500 index, giving investors exposure to 500 of America’s largest and most influential companies.

    This includes household names like Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT), Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), McDonald’s (NYSE: MCD), and Walmart (NYSE: WMT).

    The US economy has been a compounding machine for more than a century, driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological leadership. This ASX ETF captures that long-term engine without requiring investors to pick winners or time markets.

    VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT)

    The VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF provides investors with access to stocks with fair valuations and lasting competitive advantages that protect their profits from rivals. These moats might include strong brands, high switching costs, patents, dominant market share, or cost advantages.

    Its portfolio currently holds world class businesses such as Nike (NYSE: NKE), Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE), and Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS).

    Because wide-moat businesses tend to generate above-average returns on capital, they often compound value at a faster rate over long periods. For investors thinking in decades rather than years, the VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF could be a great pick.

    The post 3 ASX ETFs perfect for building generational wealth appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF right now?

    Before you buy Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Betashares Global Cash Flow Kings ETF wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has positions in Nike, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Adobe, Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, Nike, Nvidia, Palantir Technologies, Visa, Walmart, Walt Disney, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has recommended the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft, long January 2028 $330 calls on Adobe, short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft, and short January 2028 $340 calls on Adobe. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Adobe, Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, Nike, Nvidia, VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF, Visa, Walt Disney, and iShares S&P 500 ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

  • If a 30-year-old invests $1,500 a month in ASX stocks, here’s what they could have by retirement

    posh and rich billionaire couple

    ASX stocks are one of the best ways to grow wealth significantly over the long-term. They’re simple to own and can be big beneficiaries from the financial power of compounding.

    I’d advocate for almost every Australian who can manage it to regularly invest in the (ASX) stock market because of how much that can make a difference after 20, 30 or 40 years.

    Someone who is in their 30s may be approaching the best earnings phase of their life, so it’s a good time to think about putting some money towards investing to help grow wealth faster.

    If someone can regularly invest more money into their portfolio, they could reach $1 million or even more in the coming decades. Let’s have a look at how much it could grow.

    Wealth potential of investing $1,500 monthly into ASX stocks

    While investing $1,500 per month may be a stretch for some households, it may be achievable for others. Savings are built by spending less than we earn. So, creating savings comes down to spending less, earning more or a combination of both.

    If a 30 year old wanted to start investing $1,500 per month, they may have 35 years or so before reaching retirement age. That’s a long time for compounding to help growth.

    Over the long-term, the (ASX) stock market has returned an average of 10% per year, so that’s the rate of return I’ll use for my calculations. Returns could be stronger or weaker than that over the long-term.

    If someone invested $1,500 per month for 30 years and it returned an average of 10% per year, then that could turn into $2.96 million after three decades. That’d be an amazing result, in my opinion.

    The 30-year-old may decide to continue investing until they’re 70, giving an extra five years of compounding, which could make a big difference to the final result. Continuing to invest $1,500 per month and compounding at 10% per year could enable the nest egg to grow into $4.88 million.

    But, someone else may decide they want to retire earlier than 65. Investing $1,500 per month and compounding for 25 years at 10% per year could become $1.77 million, which is still an excellent portfolio value.

    What to invest in?

    There are a number of compelling exchange-traded funds (ETFs) – some of which do invest in ASX stocks- that can provide investors with pleasing diversification and good returns.

    Investors can invest in some of the best global businesses with certain ASX-listed ETFs such as Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF (ASX: VGS), VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF (ASX: QUAL), Betashares Global Quality Leaders ETF (ASX: QLTY) and VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF (ASX: MOAT).

    I don’t know what the future returns of the above ETFs will be, but I’m optimistic they will be positive for wealth-building over the long-term. I’d also happily add strong ASX growth shares to my portfolio to help boost overall returns alongside the ETFs.

    The post If a 30-year-old invests $1,500 a month in ASX stocks, here’s what they could have by retirement appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF right now?

    Before you buy Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF shares, consider this:

    Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now… and Vanguard MSCI Index International Shares ETF wasn’t one of them.

    The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

    And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys…

    * Returns as of 18 November 2025

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    Motley Fool contributor Tristan Harrison has positions in VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF and VanEck Msci International Quality ETF. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF and Vanguard Msci Index International Shares ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.